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In comments before his team take on the Red Devils in the 15:00GMT Saturday match, Sunderland bo s Steve Bruce stated that he sees Jose Mourinho take over from Sir Alex Ferguson when the latter decides to retire. Bruce stated that he doesnt see Fergie retiring from the post in the near future, as his long-term career as manager of Manchester United is Jake Bailey Jersey nearing 24 years (appointed on the 6th November 1986). Steve Bruce played for Manchester United in Fergies early years, between 1987 and 1996, playing 309 games and scoring 36 goals.He states that he sees Cody Davis Jersey the Glazers looking for a foreign manager when Sir Alex retires, and Mourinho fits all their requirements perfectly. The manager that follows Ferguson will have a huge task of filling his boots, but Mourinho has the right ability and frame of mind to do this task. He always stated that Tre Nixon Jersey he dreams of managing in England again after making Chelsea a football super-power between 2004 and 2007.An interesting fact is that Steve Bruce still calls Ferguson bo s, even though he no longer forms part of his team, and the same will happen on Saturday when the two fight it out for points at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland will be encouraged by Manchester Uniteds unimpre sive away record this season, but the Red Devils will be encouraged by the away win against Valencia in mid-week.The full comments of Steve Bruce were: Youd have to say Jose Mourinho would be a huge candidate. Hes Kendrick Bourne Jersey not lost at home in the league for 8 years. His record speaks for itself.Would they go for Mourinho, hes outspoken? I dont think theyll be getting a manager from Aberdeen like last time. The Ben Coates Jersey previous regime might have gone for a British manager but Im not sure now.To manage a club of that size for that time-span is mind-blowing. His own personal health will determine how long he stays but after speaking to him in the last few weeks Harvey Langi Jersey hes certainly got the hunger, and the desire is still there. But how do you follow that? Hes still got it. It was like with Sir Matt Busby. Whoever can or does, its a big challenge.I still call him bo s, hes the bo s. He calls himself the bo s as well just to make sure you dont get carried away.

An enthralling game resulted in both teams grabbing a point in a 2-2 draw, withneithersideable to hold onto a lead. Gary Johnson doesnt seem to like rotating his squad and this game was no different. The Posh set up in a rather familiar manner, playing a 4-4-2 formation; with their being only two changes from last Saturdays victory over Oldham. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing replaced Lee Tomlin on the right wing andthe other change was enforced on the Peterborough United manager with Ryan Bennett picking up a knee injury last weekend; as a result Gabriel Zakuani made his first start of the season, partnering Kelvin Langmead at centre back.Highly rated, Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale continued with the dangerous pairing of Daniel Nardiello and John OFlynn up-front. Ryan Harley, who already has six goals to his name this season, was also amongst the starters playing in his usual central midfield position.Poshs first half form has been poor this season but they flew out of the blocks in Exeter with George Boyd firing a shot at Paul Jones who made a good save, tipping the Yasir Durant Jersey ball behind for a corner. From the resulting set-piece Kelvin Langmead headeda deep cro s back acro s goal but Gabriel Zakuani somehow managed to mi s a glorious opportunity, from just 2 yards, out after being left un-marked by the Grecians defence. Grant McCanns delivery from set-pieces has been impre sive all season and it was from a corner that Posh troubled Exeters defence, in a similar manner that they had moments earlier, again Kelvin Langmead headed a deep corner back acro s goal but New England Patriots Home Office the ball trickled just wide of the far post with numerous Posh players close do getting a decisive touch to give the visitors the lead.Grant McCanns dead-ball delivery was outstanding.Both teams were playing some lovely football and there was an intriguing battle between the two centre midfield pairings. James Wesolowski was harrying Exeter City players all over the pitch, a trait that has meant he has endeared himself to Posh fans already, with Liam Sercombe doing a similar job for the hosts. Grant McCann was instrumental, as normal, in Peterboroughs attacking moves and was stroking the ball about the St. James Park pitch, which was excellent, with ease.Neither side were creating any chances of note in what was becoming an evenly contested match. Craig Mackail-Smith was booked for a late tackle, although it Richard Seymour Jersey was more rash than cynical, and Daniel Nardiellos chip was easily held by Joe Lewis in the Peterborough United goal.Nathaniel Mendez-Laing had failed to impre s Posh fans in the early stages of his Posh career, after signing on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, but his first half performance was of a much better quality than his other performances and it was from a superb run by the pacey wide-man that Peterborough United earnt another corner, although Mendez-Laing felt he was fouled as he entered the Exeter penalty area. The resulting set-piece was dealt with by the Exeter defence first time but when the ball fell to George Boyd he blazed a volley over the cro s-bar when he should have tested Jones in the Exeter goal.The away side did break the dead-lock though, after beginning to look the more likely to score, but it was through an own goal from Exeter centre back TROY ARCHIBALD-HENVILLE who headed past Jones,after the goal-keeperhad came out to claim the cro s from Mendez-Laing. To be fair to the Exeter player he was under pre sure from Craig Mackail-Smith and had he not taken action the striker would have surely opened the scoring himself.Archibald-Henville headed into his own net to give Posh the lead.Exeter responded to the set-back well and the Peterborough United defence was being tested more than ever before in the match, especially as Poshs pa sing had became sloppy, and the hosts had two, ambitious, penalty appeals turned down by the referee before Steve Tullys cro s almost drifted into the far corner of Lewis net but the Posh goalkeeper made a good save, tipping the ball over his own cro s-bar for a corner.The away sides chances of holding their lead were dealt a blow when James Wesolowski appeared to pick Russ Francis Jersey up a knee injury and was forced to be withdrawn with Nana, who generally plays in either full-back position,going straight into the central midfield place that Wesolowski had vacated. However, Posh almost extended their lead to two goals on the stroke of half-time when Nathaniel Mendez-Laing used his strength to outmuscle an Exeter defender before heading just over after a good cro s from Tommy Rowe.The first half was encouraging for the away fans, who had travelled a long distance to watch the game, but it was hard not to feel that Peterborough should have been further in-front after they mi sed a succe sion of good chances. However, Poshs second half form had been good up to this point of in the campaign and the visitors were hoping that they could continue this fine form into the second 45 minutes of this fixture.Peterborough started the second in much the same manner as they often do after a Gary Johnson team-talk and Aaron McLean headed just wide of the mark after Paul Jones had fumbled a Grant McCann corner straight onto the strikers head. The chance was a good one but it came at McLean very quickly and the front-man appeared to know little about it. McLean came close again moments later, this time after some brilliant build-up play between George Boyd and Craig Mackail-Smith, the latterfound the former Grays player Matt Light Jersey in space but his thunderous shot cannoned back off the cro s-bar and was cleared.The hosts had not lost at St. James Park since February though and after dealing with the earlier pre sure they were put under by The Posh the backlash started. After some poor marking from a fairly innocuous throw-in by Nathaniel Mendez-Laing on the right hand side, John OFlynn found himself in space and made a good run before the ball found DANIEL NARDIELLO, somewhat fortuitously, who lashed in the equaliser, leaving Joe Lewis with little chance.Daniel Nardiello equalised for Exeter City.This goal had given the Grecians confidence and it showed. The fans were encouraging their team to grab the lead and the players were trying to oblige, playing some excellent, fast tempo, football in the proce s.Former Peterborough United player, Richard Logan Jake Bailey Jersey , who had just come off the bench, replacing John OFlynn, glanced a header wide of Lewis goal with the Posh stopper scrambling acro s his goal-line. However, even with Exeter having the better of the play, Peterborough were still looking dangerous on the counter-attack and when the pace of Craig Mackail-Smith saw him open up some space behind the hosts defence it took a good save from Jones to deny him restoring the visitors lead with a well struck shot.Both managers were now thinking about substitutions

Luis Suarez was left N'Keal Harry Jersey heartbroken at the Football A sociations decision to give him a hefty 8 game ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra. That was October and now its February. Liverpool are in the final of the Carling Cup, defeated tomorrows opponents to reach the F.A Cup 5th round and are closing in on 4th place. Man Utd may have also have been left heartbroken with that Fa cup result last month but none more so than left-back Patrice Evra. He suffered the full degree of abuse, animosity any sentiment you would like to use, but why? for being racially abused this is totally wrong.Since then, the Drew Bledsoe Jersey image of Liverpool football club has been under severe scrutiny, with fans charged for racially abusing Oldham defender Tom Adayemi and another who made monkey gestures at the United and France defender. The club has defiantly stuck behind the controversial Uruguayan, going as far as wearing t-shirts with his picture on just 24 hours after the Justin Bethel Jersey hammer hit the desk firmly. But this image will have ashamed many fans of both clubs and tomorrow has to be the end of this unfortunate affair.Kenny Dalglish spoke of how his little number seven should never have been banned after another frustrating stalemate at Anfield on Monday night. reiterated this on Wednesday but told the startled Troy Brown Jersey pre s that Suarez would shake hands on Saturday a lead Evra and Manchester United should follow. Regardle s of what anybody says Suarez will be frying in a pan on Saturday but it is important that it doesnt boil over, over heat even.The match promises to be a cracker with both sides in desperate need of three points after both dropped points last week. However, United will come in as favourites, purely because of the way their draw played out. United were three goals down with around half an hour remaining. But as they so often do, Jonnu Smith Jersey spectacularly,remarkably, throw any superlative you like at them, came out with a point. The contrast at Anfield on Russ Francis Jersey Monday night paid dividends. Liverpool conceded to their 8th home draw of the season after yet again failing to break down the away side the once formidable Anfield has now gone drably weak. Whatever the outcome, it is important that both sets of supporters and more importantly players dont let the heated occasion get the better of them!Tom Storey, 14,

New owners usually means a change of fortunes. In the case of Manchester City, it has meant a realistic shot at the Jake Bailey Jersey Premier League title, while clubs such as Chester City & Wimbledon lost their clubs as a result. When Roma got taken over it was a surprise as they were the first Italian club to be owned by a non Italian. This move was oppo sed by many fans due to the nationality of the American Thomas DiBenedetto but the one thing he would bring to the club is stability on and off the pitch. Roma had been a club burgoened by debts New England Patriots Home Office , going nowhere and having an ever increasingly ageing squad. But this takeover has changed it all.The man in charge of the Gillariosi is Luis Enrique, the former Real Madrid & Barcelona midfielder, whos only previous managerial experiance was in charge of Barcelona Cam Newton Jersey B in the Spanish 2nd division. Many would have expected Enrique to get the Barcelona job when Guardiola decides to leave the job, but instead he wanted to make a name for himself as a coach in new surroundings & described the Roma job as ideal. Despite a 2-1 aggregate defeat in the Europa League to Slovan Bratislava, he hasnt had the chance to put his mark on the role.A wealth of new signings were made by the club to add Tre Nixon Jersey quality to the squad and decrease the age of the team. The vastly underrated Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg was signed for 6million pounds, with Gianluca Curci coming in as back up. Former Man United defender Gabriel Heinze signed on a free transfer, Denmarks Simon Kjaer came in on a season long loan from Wolfsburg, French right back Loic Nego. Fernando Gago has signed on a season long loan from Real Madrid & attacking midfielders Erik Lamela & the Bosnian Miralem Pjanic have added creativity to the team, New England Patriots Accessories while Espanyol forward Pablo Osvaldo & Barcelonas Bojan have got the ability to score 20 goals a season. Add these players to Roma cult heroes Francesco Totti, Daniele De Ro si & Marco Boriello and they have a team that should end up challenging or winning the Scudetto.With a move to a English Matthew Judon Jersey modelled 55,000 stadium on the horizon, things are looking up for the Gillariosi. They have the owner, the manager & the players to make a Serie A title this season a reality. The title is Romas to lose and they have everything in place to make this happen.

This is now my fifteenth Npower Championship preview right here on footballblog.co.uk, this time around I will give my thoughts on Middlesbrough. The team from Tee side were the early favourites for the title last season; however as the 10/11 table proves pre sure got the best of Middlesbrough as they had a dismal Championship campaign. With Tony Mowbray in charge and a whole season to build a squad capable of promotion, its about time Middlesbrough started challenging for a top six finishMiddlesbrough PreviewLacklustre campaigns have been a frequent showing at the Riverside Stadium for the past couple of years, the slow demise of Premier League relegation was then followed with mediocre finishes in the Npower Championship. This season though Tony Mowbray hopes to rectify Middlesbroughs poor form, as he intends to get his side amongst Henry Anderson Jersey the top ten of the Championship again. With new signings few and far between so far this summer, Middlesbrough could well struggle to make an impact in 2011/2012, Leroy Lita has decided to head for pastures new as he recently signed a deal with Swansea City, while Riverside Stadium reject Kris Boyd has moved to foreign soil. The Boro will yet again have to rely on a number of youngsters this season, with more and more youthful players making breakthroughs over past Championship campaigns, the likes of Richard Smallwood, Luke Williams and Cameron Park may well feature more frequently in 11/12. Even though frustrating times at Middlesbrough keep on occuring, this season will most likely be like any other recent season, a poor showing from the Tee side club will simply warrant them with another mid-table finish. Even though Mowbray has made improvements on the pitch, the lack of signings and inexperience in the ranks could Gunner Olszewski Jersey prove to be fatal.Key PlayersWith investment coming in at a minimal rate, no new signings at the Riverside Stadium will play a ma sive role in the teams season; and with Leroy Lita now plying his trade for Swansea City the Tee Bruce Armstrong Jersey side club have lost their main striker. Of course despite losing one of their highly prolific talents, you have to identify other key players and in my view the defensive duo of Stephen McManus and Matthew Bates will both play crucial roles this season. McManus is a strong and stable defender who has put in some solid performances asa Middlesbrough player, experienced and talented Stephen McManus always plays a pivotal role in the heart of the defence. Matthew Bates is another player who could also play a crucial role in this campaign, notably a central defender but can also play as a defensive midfielder, Bates is one of the most highly rated and gifted players in the Boro ranks. A powerful player who loves to tackle and put his body on the line will captain the side this season, leading your team out is a big exception but Bates has a very good footballing brain, he should master the challenge with perfection. Lastly with the departure of Leroy Lita, Middlesbrough fans will be hoping that Marvin Emnes can Jonathan Jones Jersey continue his good form from the end of the 10/11 campaign, into the early stages of this season. A loan move to Swansea City proved to be the making of Emnes, as a player who struggled to make an impact at the Riverside suddenly found himself in the starting eleven, and making a real impre sion on opposistion fans, Emnes has now been cla sed as a dangerous player, therefore he is certainly one of the players to watch at the Riverside Stadium this season.Manager Tony MowbrayTony Mowbray has enough time to shine at the Riverside this season, after another frustrating campaign left Boro lingering in the mid-table places, despite slight improvements towards the end of the 10/11 campaign. Mowbray always intends his sides to play attractive football, and he proved at West Brom what a good manager he is, so far his style of play is progre sing amongst the Middlesbrough players, after an emphatic end to last season saw Mowbray guide his side to a mediocre finish, and with a few months to plan out his intentions, he could well get Boro moving in the right direction. Mowbray needs to clear out the dead wood and the SPL rejects, and then eventually Middlesbrough could be heading for Julian Edelman T Shirts a top six finish at last. Ins and OutsIns Malaury Martin(Blackpool), Curtis Main(Darlington), Carl Ikeme(Wolves)Outs Willo Flood(Dundee United), Andrew Taylor(Cardiff), Kris Boyd(Eskisehirspor), Didier Digard(Nice), Leroy Lita(Swansea), Maximillian Haas(Released), Julio Arca(Released)Overall ThoughtsMiddlesbrough simply needs to improve on recent lacklustre performances, and try Davon Godchaux Jersey and challenge for the play-offs to the best of their ability. Mowbray likes to play exciting attacking football;and with his style of play now settling in amongst players and supporters, some very respectable performanceswill be put in by the Boroside this season; however withthe Championship being so challenging, despite improvements Mowbrays side may well have to settle for a mid-table place. Middlesbrough will depend on their youngsters and with Leroy Lita departing to play in the Premier League, the Tee side club could well struggleto score goals. Mowbray is capable of producing the goods this season, but many players are far too inexperienced at Championship level, as Boro cant keep relying on their younger prodigies. Some pundits mightfavour the former Premier League side to make a real promotion challenge this season, butin allhonesty Icant see Middlesbrough challenging for a top six finish.Prediction 13th

CHELSEA play host to French champions Marseille tonight at Stamford Bridge after a superb 4-1 win over Slovenians MSK Zilina in Matchday One. Mi sing the suspended Didier Drogba, the Premier league winners strolled to victory easily.Marseille will provide a much stiffer test tonight for Carlo Ancelottis side, with ex-Chelsea favourite Didier Deschamps the manager at Stade Velodrome. The Ligue One winners po se s quality in players like Andre-Pierre Gignac, Troy Brown Jersey Loic Remy, Steve Mandanda, Lucho Gonzalez and Benoit Cheyrou.If Chelsea are to win this competition, and lets face it thats what Roman Abramovich wants from his investment, they will have to defeat sides of Marseilles calibre.After an absolutely beautiful start to their Premier League defence, scoring 21 goals and conceding one, they lost their 100% record on Saturday. They suffered their first league defeat of the season when Gunner Olszewski Jersey they went down 1-0 at Manchester City, but manager Carlo Ancelotti is not concerned by the blip. I havent asked the players for a reaction. We just have to play our football, said the Italian bo s.We have to pay attention and get the points from this game. It is an important game for us to go to the top Byron Cowart Jersey of the group.With MSK Zilina and Spartak Moscow completing Group F, Chelsea are odds-on to make it out of the group as winners and march on in the competition. But the aforementioned desire to finally lift the Champions League trophy is sure to spur the players and supporters on even more.The Moscow 2008 Final was painful for the Londoners. To travel all the way to Ru sia, for their fans to go to so much ha sle acquiring VISAs and travel/accommodation etc only to see the team lose on penalties beggars belief.The Manchester United team that did lift the trophy that night is a much greater one than it is now in my opinion. With the lo s of Ronaldo, United seem to have lost a spark to their play Mac Jones T Shirts . Jose Mourinhos Real Madrid will take time to get used to their new managers cautious tactics, and Inter Milan just wont be the same after the Portugueses departure.For me, that leaves the amazing FC Barcelona in Chelseas way. The Catalan giants are by far and away the best team in the world Harvey Langi Jersey . No one can argue against the flair, skill and most of all work ethic of Pep Guardiolas team.What a final that would be, eh? Lionel Me si, Xavi and David Villa up against Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and John Terry for what has become the most prestigious trophy on the planet. Chelseas task here is absolutely huge. There are so many teams that could upset them.However, I just think the Blues have what it takes. With the experience and genius of Carlo Ancelotti managing them New England Patriots Sleepwear Underwear , I believe 2010 is Chelseas year to lift the European Cup.With Wembley being awarded the host of this years final, it may well be destiny for Chelsea to become European kings.

When you go to a football match, why is it that you do? Is it out of dedication to your club a club that has become an integral part of your life? Is it out of a love of football? Or is it, simply to be entertained? Whilst many hardened fans will point at the former, ask yourself why you fell in love with Peterborough United football club in the first place. It wasnt because it was engrained in you. It was because you were entertained. You wanted to see it again. You wanted to come back. It is because of this the addiction starts. It is an addiction that is impo sible to get a release from. It is Brian Burns Jersey an addiction that keeps you coming back. Even in the hard times you feel compelled. Compelled to try to get that emotion. That indescribable emotion that comes from very few things in life, but that can be felt through following your football club. With one of the biggest games in the clubs history impending the succe sfulne s of our season will be measured Brady Christensen Jersey on whether we win at Old Trafford. 90 minutes that will define our season. This squad was designed to achieve promotion. MacAnthony will tell you anything le s and this campaign has been a failure. Ferguson will echo these sentiments. Not making the Championship will mean we say goodbye to key players, it will mean our budget will be cut, it will Carolina Panthers Rompers mean that next season may well be one spent in mid-table.Yet, this season has not been a failure. Regardle s of the result on Sunday, this season has been a glorious one. This season Peterborough United have won fans. Not nece sarily fans that will turn up at London Road but people have gained affection to this football club. People have sat up and taken notice of our little team. Our little team that had been barely recognisable before has began to capture interest.Proud To Be Posh This season Peterborough United have created an identity. Everybody with any interest in football knows that we have scored goals. Indeed, they know we have conceded them too but that much is irrelevant. All of a sudden there has been interest in us. Sky came once; they wanted to come back again. And again. They got the same feeling that we did. They were entertained. And isnt that, ultimately, what football is about?We now live an era where football is defined by how many trophies are won. Everything is about silverware. People arent worried about their clubs style, their clubs ethos, it is a win at all costs attitude that fans are fixated on. Would Real Madrid have accepted Chuba Hubbard Jersey Mourinhos tactics in the 1980s? Would Arsene Wenger, a man who has transformed Arsenal football club, be under pre sure in the same time period? The simple answer is no. Football has become a sport that isnt about entertainment anymore, the exact thing that made it so popular in the first place; it is about winning matches and nothing else.We seem to have broken the mould in this respect. We have employed an attack at all-cost strategy that, whilst meaning that we are particularly vulnerable defensively, has led to a season that should be remembered for a long time. We may never again score this amount of goals in one season again. 106 league goals. Yes, 106 league goals. We are the top goalscorers in Europe. This season has provided us with more memories than many teams will get in 5 James Morgan Jersey . Every neutral that has come to London Road this season has invariably described the game as a thriller. The 4-4 draw against Southampton. The 3-3 against Bournemouth. The 5-4 against Swindon. At London Road these scorelines are more likely than a 0-0 draw. We are the entertainers.It is simple. Sunday is important but if we are to lose we should take a look back at a season that has already provided so many memories. One more would be great, but, if we arent promoted we should still be proud of what this team has achieved. Because it has been brilliant to watch this season. And, after all, isnt this why Terrace Marshall Jr. Jersey we all started loving football in the first place?

Without doubt, the coming season is going to be the most difficult ever in terms of predicting who will be in the Champions League spots next May. Manchester City and Liverpool have both strengthened over the summer. Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both clinging on to key players and Manchester United and Chelsea look as strong as ever. For these reasons, it is difficult to anticipate which of these six teams will come out on top in both the race for the title and the battle for Champions League Places.ARSENALThis summer has not been great for Arsene Wenger. Two key players, Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas seem to want out, with Fabregas on Barcelonas radar as he has been for the past few years and Nasri in demand from both of the Manchester clubs. ArseneWenger is knowinglyriskingNasrileaving on a free transfer if the Frenchmanhas the patience to wait until next summer. It would not be a complete disaster for Arsenal to lose either of these players as they have shown plenty of times that they can cope without Fabregas and Nasri has only had spells of influence in Carolina Panthers Home Office an Arsenal shirt. However, yet again, Arsene Wengers refusal to invest in players may well prove to be their downfall this time as with only Gervinho coming in to the club so far, Arsenal will have the same squad as last season but maybe without two of their biggest names and the squad of last season was not good enough to compete until the end. With their biggest rivals strengthening, the title looks out of reach before the season has begun. Another fruitle s season for the Gunners may well see more and more fans losing patience with Arsene Wenger and should Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League in this most competitive of seasons, perhaps Wenger will lose favour with the board too.PREDICTION: 5th CHELSEAAndre Villas-Boas is yet to show the Chelsea fans his tactics as he has used various combinations in pre-season. Chelseas squad is not getting any younger but it does not seem to be losing any talent. Frank Lampard, John Terry and Didier Drogba are all still at the top of their game and can fire Chelsea to succe s again. A fully fit and firing Fernando Torres can give Chelsea the edge over their rivals but the question Carolina Panthers Sleepwear Underwear still remains over Torres. Chelsea will start the season with a similar squad to the one that finished last season with only a few young players joining the squad including Barcelona Bs Oriol Romeu and Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Piazon and this is not nece sarily negative for Chelsea as they have plenty of young players waiting to come through in the likes of Josh McEachran, Gael Kakuta and Daniel Sturridge. Chelseas future looks bright, however I think that this season may Royce Freeman Jersey well be a transitional one with the new manager, youngsters and the old guard coming towards the end of their glorious careers. On their day, Chelsea can beat any teamin the league and I think they will be safely inside the top four at the end of the season.PREDICTION: 3rdLIVERPOOLLiverpool have spent two seasons on the fringes of the top six but appear revitalised under Kenny Dalglish and the new owners. Positive moves in the transfer market for Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson have given Liverpool a bit more strength in depth. January signings Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll will also have the opportunity to form a partnership that is exciting Liverpool fans who have genuine optimism for the first time since the second place finish in 2009. I think Liverpool have strengthened in the right areas and Ameer Abdullah Jersey one or two more signings before the close of the transfer window may be needed but the foundation is there for a succe sful season. If Liverpool can start well, in contrast to the past two seasons, there is no reason why they cant force their way into the reckoning. Steven Gerrard will not be so heavily relied upon this season and for that reason, I think he will shine for the Reds and have his best season in a few years should his injury problems subside early on. Another thing that will work to Liverpools advantage is the lack of fixtures due to failing to qualify for any European competition last season which should mean the squad is not tired during the run in.PREDICTION: 4thMANCHESTER CITYRoberto Mancini and Manchester City have been very conservative in the transfer market by their normal standards but experienced left back Gael Clichy and world cla s forward Sergio Aguero will add a lot to an already star studded squad. Carlos Tevez clearly wants to leave Manchester City and they have ample strikers should he do so. However, if Tevez does remain at City then surely the strike force of Tevez and Aguero would be one of the best the Premier League has seen and fire City towards the title. Manchester City have a balance of creativity and muscle which Arsenal and Spurs dont have. They have David Silva, Aguero and Tevez to score the goals and they have Nigel De Jong, Yaya Toure, Micah Richards who are strong and hard to break down. City have a strong squad with a lot of strength in depth and they can compete with anyone else in the Premier League. Even if this is not Citys season, their time will come in the next year or two. With players such as Dzeko, Milner, Bellamy and Adebayornot automatically in Roberto Mancinis plans, it shows how rich Citys resources are and I predict a good season for the blue half of Manchester as they make their bow in the Champions League.PREDICTION: 2ndMANCHESTER UNITEDEven when Manchester United lose Van Der Sar, Scholes and Gary Neville, the squad still Carolina Panthers T Shirts looks like it can compete with any other. Sir Alex Ferguson has builta team that you expect to win any time they play. The signing of Ashley Young could prove to be inspired by Sir Alex as Young has the potential to shine for the Red Devils. Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov can all be prolific and are all completely different to one another which gives United options up front. Evra, Vidic and Ferdinand are part of one of Europes best defences and they have back up with the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling who are two of the most promising defenders in Britain. United are going to be difficult to beat again this year as they always are and with Sir Alex Ferguson not ruling out signing a Scholes replacement, players such as Modric and Sneijder have been mentioned and either of those would prove a magnificent addition. United have not only lost Van Der Sar, Scholes and Neville but also a few minor contributors who are useful back up such as Wes Brown and John OShea and Darron Gibson is transfer listed so one minor thing may bea lack of depth if United sustain any injuries as they aim for their twentieth title.PREDICTION: 1stTOTTEHAM HOTSPURTottenham have been flirting with the top four in the past couple of seasons, in and out until the end. This year however, I think the top four will elude them. They have, in my opinion, Cameron Erving Jersey the best midfiel

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME OF THE WEEKENDLeicester City v Reading Saturday 13th August 2011 3.00 kick-off Last time the sides metReading 3-1 Leicester City (Saturday 16th April 2011) Kebe (19), King (79)McAnuff (21),Hunt (67) The LowdownTwo of the Championships promotion candidates go head-to-head on Saturday as Leicester entertain Reading at the King Power Stadium. Both teamsenter the game on a P.J. Walker Jersey high as the Foxes were forced to show grit and determination to win 1-0 against Coventry. Whilst the Royals snatched a point from the jaws of defeat at home to Millwall, thanks to Mathieu Mansets impre sive late brace. Undoubtedly, Sven Goran Erik sons side will be under huge pre sure to start their home campaign with victory. This might play into Brian McDermotts hands, as he has masterminded notable F.A Cup scalps defeating Mersey giants Everton and Liverpool on their own turfs.Leicester City Transfers In: Transfers Out:Lee Peltier (Huddersfield Town) Michael Larney (Wisla Krakow)Kasper Schmeichel (Leeds United) Jack Hobbs (Hull City)Neil Danns (Crystal Palace)Sean St Ledger (Preston North End)David Nugent (Portsmouth)Matt Mills (Reading)Paul Konchesky (Liverpool)John Pantsil (Fulham)Michael Johnson (On loan from Manchester City)Gelson Fernandes (On loan from St Etienne)Michael Ball (Free Agent)When Sven Goran Erik son arrived at Leicester in October 2010, the Foxes were routed to the bottom of the Championship after Paulo Sousas reignas manager came to an abrupt end. However, the Swede turned the Walkers Stadium into a fortre s as Leicester went on an eight-game unbeaten run in January. This prompted the Foxes towards a late charge for a play-off spot, which Christian McCaffrey Jersey was eventually halted by Nottingham Forest in April.Yet it is the spending power provided by Thai busine sman Vichai Raksriaksorn that has set Leicester apart from other competitors. He will demand a return however, meaning the former England manager will be under immense pre sure to win promotion this season. However, Erik sons illustriouscareer demonstrates that he has never been afraid of pre sure and believes he now has the tools at his disposal to end an eight-year exile away from the top flight.Having narrowly defeated Coventry City on their own turf, Sven will believe that the Foxes can establish themselves in top spot with two winnable homefixtures. Perhaps a point this weekend wouldnt be too disastrous, providing they defeat a lowly Bristol City on Tuesday night. Given the attacking talent at his disposal, Sven is expected to change his system to 4-4-1-1, with Andy King replacing the suspended Darius Va sell in an advanced role.Expected Starting Line-UpK.Schmeichel ( Taylor Moton Jersey GK)L.Peltier (RB) M.Mills (CB) S.Bamba (CB) P.Konchesky (LB)Y.Abe (RM) N.Danns (CM) R.Wellens (CM) G.Fernandes (LM)A.King (CAM)D.Nugent (ST)Reading Transfers In: Transfers Out:Mikele Leigertwood (Queens Park Rangers) Matt Mills (Leicester City)Bongani Khumalo (On loan from Tottenham Hotspur) Scott Davies(CrawleyTown)Ivar Ingimar son (Ipswich Town)David Mooney (Leyton Orient)Julian Kelly (Notts County)Despite a number of impre sive performances last season, Brain McDermott and his Reading side may struggle to recover from an almost embarra sing play-off final defeat to Swansea City. Since then, highly-rated defender Matt Mills has departed to join this weekends opponents, whilst Shane Longeventually opted for the Premier League as he joined West Bromwich Albion. Time will tell as to whether these departures derail a potential promotion push from the Royals. Yet owner John Madejski has proved his shrewdne s in the past and will be delighted with the 12m recoupment of these sales.What weve got is unique really, the players really enjoy being here and working for each other. Reading D J Moore T Shirts manager Brian McDermott on the clubs team spirit.McDermott has created an admirable team spirit, ensuring that each player fights until the final whistle. Last season, Reading scored a total of 19 goals in the final 10 minutes. Matheiu Mansets goals in the 86th and 89th minutes last weekend, demonstrate that the Royals never know when they are beaten. Perhaps last seasons most memorable moment came at the City Ground as Simon Church scored a dramatic 90th minute winner to make the score 4-3 to the Royals. This result was embedded in the eight games that Reading won in a row, illustrating their consistency that has been typical of previous title-winning sides. If McDermott can repeat this consistency throughout the course of the season, then the Royals will push for the title.Expected Starting Line-UpA.Federeci (GK)A.Griffin (RB) B.Khumalo (CB) A.Pearce (CB) I.Harte (LB)J.Kebe (RW) J.Karacan (CM) M.Leigertwood (CM) J.McAnuff (LW)N.Hunt (ST)M.Manset (ST)Tactical Battle Where the game might be won and lostBoth managers have intriguing dilemmas with regards to their team selections for Steve Smith Sr T Shirts this weekends fixture. Does Sven take the promising Ghanaian striker Jeffery Schlupps performance into consideration? His Carling Cup hattrick at Rotherham United on Tuesday night should be enough to earn him a place on the bench.Will Brian McDermott replace Shane Long with goal-scoring hero Mathieu Manset or Welsh International striker Simon Church? Manset, 22, po se ses the attributes to bully defenders and hold the ball up for the likes of Hunt, McAnuff and Karacan, but his lack of experience might go against him, particularly away from home.As the home side, the onus will be on Leicester to attack Reading from the first whistle. Yet this may play into Readings hands as they have the players in Jimmy Kebe and Jobi McAnuff to launch devastating counter-attacks from the flanks. In Mikele Kamal Martin Jersey Leigertwood, they have an anchor who will shield the back four. Yet Leicester may also target the flanks as Ian Harte and Andy Griffin in particular, may lack the pace to deal with overlapping runs from Lee Peltier and Pau

The 13th matchweek proved to be unlucky for title rivals Joseph Charlton Jersey Chelsea, which failed to capitalise on the lost points of United at Aston Villa. The Blues had the chance of creating a 6-point cushion over United, and 5-point advantage over 2nd-placed Arsenal by winning against Sunderland on Sunday, but they failed to do so. Hence, the title race Steve Smith Jersey is open again, with a trio of contenders competing for the first place: Chelsea (28 points), Arsenal (26 points) and Manchester United (25 points). The placings can change next Saturday, 20th November, when Tommy Tremble Jersey all three teams will be playing. Arsenal take on bitter London rivals Tottenham, Chelsea take on Birmigham, and Manchester United face Wigan Athletic.United have Sunderland to thank for treating Chelsea as if they were a bottom-half team rather than the current championship holders. Ferguson has surely given Steve Bruce a thank-you call after the match, congratulating the ex-United-player for this achievement. Bruce played for Manchester Juston Burris Jersey United between 1987 and 1996, appearing 309 times for the club as a centre-back and scoring 36 goals. Another person to thank is Man Utd loanee Danny Welbeck, currently at Sunderland to Jermaine Carter Jersey get some first team action. Welbeck showed his ability by scoring the third goal in the 3-0 victory by Sunderland over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The goal was a result of a mistake by Ashley Cole in the 87th minute. Midfielder Jordan Henderson also played in this match for Sunderland, with United reportedly interested Shaq Thompson Jersey in the player.